1988 Nissan 300 ZX vs. 2001 Saturn L
To start off, 2001 Saturn L is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Nissan 300 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Nissan 300 ZX would be higher. At 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Nissan 300 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Nissan 300 ZX (171 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2001 Saturn L. (135 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Nissan 300 ZX should accelerate faster than 2001 Saturn L. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Nissan 300 ZX weights approximately 125 kg more than 2001 Saturn L. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Nissan 300 ZX is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 Nissan 300 ZX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Saturn L, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1988 Nissan 300 ZX (234 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Saturn L. (199 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1988 Nissan 300 ZX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Saturn L. 2001 Saturn L has automatic transmission and 1988 Nissan 300 ZX has manual transmission. 1988 Nissan 300 ZX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Saturn L will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Nissan 300 ZX | 2001 Saturn L | |
| Make | Nissan | Saturn |
| Model | 300 ZX | L |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2960 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 234 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2710 mm |
